Almog Cohen opens Beitar Jerusalem’s preseason with a clear message

Beitar Jerusalem began preparations on Tuesday for the 2026/2027 season, with Almog Cohen on the touchline after replacing Barak Itzhaki. The team held its first training session with several new faces, including Tomer Yusfi, Noam Mocha and Daniel Varko, while most of the foreign players had not yet joined. Midfielder Elson Tavares was already present at training.

At his opening team meeting, Cohen told the squad he took the job because he believes in them. “I took this role because I really believe in you and in us,” he said. “I will have to adapt to the team, but you will also have to adapt to me.” He welcomed the newcomers and said he was confident they would help the club this season and be accepted well by the rest of the squad.

Cohen also emphasized the arrival of new staff, naming Aviram Bruchian first. “You know him,” he said, wishing him success and saying he is sure Bruchian will help improve the team. He stressed nutrition as a key part of careers, saying it is not just about avoiding fines or body-fat checks, but about helping players reach their full potential. He said there will be weekly close monitoring and asked the players to stick with it.

He concluded by saying he is available off the pitch for every player, but that on the field everyone must deliver their best. Beitar’s traditional training camp will take place from July 1 to July 10 in Pravets, Bulgaria. The club will host its European home matches at the stadium in Ploiesti, Romania, as it did last season.